Mohsen Tehranian shares how his background in software engineering fuels a passion for digital innovation and technology that can elevate patient care.
A route from software to dentistry
Mohsen Tehranian took an unconventional path to becoming a dentist. He began his career as a software engineer, but his early exposure to dentistry – and his desire for greater interaction – ultimately drew him back.
Growing up in Iran, he first encountered dentistry at 15, when he undertook work experience at a dental laboratory. Under supervision, he continued working there one day a week throughout the final years of school.
‘There was a dentist who practised upstairs, and I thought it was quite a cool job with a lot to learn. But at the time, I was more into computers and software.’
After qualifying and working in software engineering, he soon found the career less rewarding than he had hoped.
‘I was always interested in technology, but felt something was lacking: the human connection,’ he recalls.
The chance to combine digital technology and problem-solving with meaningful patient interactions ultimately led him back to dentistry.
Fast forward 26 years, and Mohsen now owns DreamSmile Dental Clinic in Lewisham, London. An accomplished clinician and dental tutor, he has built his career around Invisalign, digital smile design and restorative dentistry, while championing the technology that shapes modern dental practice.
Indeed, his software background has proved invaluable.
Digital dentistry in practice
‘Digital dentistry has been the biggest change in the profession in recent years and particularly in my own career,’ he says. ‘Digitalisation has created many opportunities within the profession – and not just in the chair. It has involved software for management, design and analysis as well as 3D printing. There is now a new generation of technology and treatments that are bringing great benefits for patients.’
As digital dentistry continues to integrate into everyday practice at pace, the equipment supporting those workflows becomes just as important as the technology used for diagnosis, planning and treatment.
A reliable practice backbone
For Mohsen, reliability of this support is fundamental. With four surgeries operating at his practice, equipment needs to work consistently in the background without interrupting the clinical workflow.
That luxury of simply relying on essential equipment to do its job is particularly important in a busy practice. Technical failures can cause downtime, disrupt appointments and take clinicians away from what matters most: patient care.
‘Consistency and reliability in the equipment we invest in are important. For example, we have used the Dürr Power Tower in our practice for some time now, and with four surgeries in operation, I don’t have to think about it. We have to be able to confidently rely on the technology to ensure we can deliver a high level of care.’
Reliability in practice
Mohsen says the Dürr Power Tower PTS 120 is an integral part of his practice infrastructure, combining compressed air and suction in a compact, efficient unit. Its modular design allows him to tailor the system to his practice’s needs, while annual compressor filter replacement reduces maintenance demands and supports performance.
He explains: ‘The quiet operation and compact footprint are invaluable. It helps to create a more comfortable setting for both patients and staff. If I wanted to summarise what I want in a dentist’s clinic, I want things to run smoothly at 100% efficiency, with nothing failing and disrupting our day-to-day workflow.’
That, he says, is precisely what the system has delivered.
‘Dürr Dental has been a company we can rely on. The equipment is reliable – without this, the heart of our delivery closes down. In the three years since purchasing the Power Tower, it has never let us down; it has worked efficiently and silently in the background so that we can focus on patient care.’
Continuing to learn
His enthusiasm for technology extends beyond his own clinical work. Teaching and sharing knowledge have become an important part of his career, particularly as dentistry continues to evolve.
Mohsan says he has been lecturing on Invisalign since 2012 and is one of only two global faculty members in the UK. He says he also lectures from his London clinic, where groups of around 8-10 dentists undertake a three-module programme over three months.
Delegates have three weeks between modules to put what they have learned into practice before returning for the next stage. The aim is to demonstrate how the different elements of a digital workflow can work together in practice. For Mohsen, technology is only part of the equation; clinicians also need to understand how to integrate it.
‘I hope delegates will learn by seeing our complete digital workflow in practice. We want to showcase exactly how we do it here.’
Embracing innovation
He believes that a willingness to learn will become increasingly important as technology continues to transform dentistry. His advice to dentists considering new digital workflows is straightforward: don’t fear innovation.
‘Dentistry can be repetitive and can become mundane, so embracing new technology and thinking helps make the role rewarding and helps deliver the best possible care for our patients. Never be scared of new technology. Embrace it, try it, compare it with other formats, and be ready for the learning curve, which makes dentistry more interesting.’
After nearly three decades in dentistry, he says it is this ongoing development that keeps him engaged and ahead of the curve.
‘The future of dentistry is about embracing innovation, building dependable workflows, and continuing to learn so technology can quietly do its job while clinicians focus on theirs. I have been practising dentistry for 26 years, and continued learning is what makes it exciting.’
For more information, visit The Dentistry Course or email info@dreamsmiledental.co.uk.
This article is sponsored by Dürr Dental.
